Hollister City Council members Monday approved the hiring of a new position to help with administration matters at the airport and fire department.
The position is estimated to cost the city a total of $125,000 per year.
Management Services Director Mike Chambless, who oversees the airport and public works, said he has been pressed for time on airport issues since taking over the public works department in the dual role. He said he generally has worked on airport issues from 6-7 a.m., 12-1 p.m. and evenings. He said he needed a “higher-level” assistant to meet prospective tenants and handle grant upkeep. He also has had to travel to San Francisco for regular grant meetings on Federal Aviation Administration issues.
“This position can go ahead and take on that,” he said.
Fire Chief Bob Martin Del Campo in also asking for the supportive help noted how there is just one full-time support staff member at the department, and he could use help managing the six contracts overseen by Hollister fire such as those with the county and San Juan Bautista.
Council members approved of the item 4-0, with Mayor Ignacio Velazquez absent.
According to the agenda summary on the matter:
Over the past few years, the Senior Support Services Assistant positions for both the Airport Division and the Fire Department have been performing outside of their scope of work as their level of responsibility has increase substantially due to the needs of the departments. The duties that are being performed are within a variety of areas which includes research of grant opportunities, processing of Federal and State Grants, assist in the forecasting, preparation, and implementation of the department budgets, Grant management. The duties and responsibilities that are being performed are more typically handled by an Administrative Assistant.
The Human Resources Division has reviewed the matter and recommends approval of a new job description and salary range for the position of Administrative Assistant for the Airport Division and the Fire Department. City Council approval of the resolution will also approve a recruitment process for the positions. Staff has prepared the necessary resolution for City Council approval consideration.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Administrative Assistant position for Airport Division will be $125,000/FY, from fund 601 and the Administrative Assistant position for the Fire
